Chief Minister Jairam Thakur had this morning ordered an investigation into the incident.
Chandigarh:
Following provocative vandalism of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly building this morning and a banned group’s ‘Khalistan’ referendum call, the hill state has stepped up security from tonight. Interstate borders have been sealed and police barricades placed there. Strict vigil of hotels and other “probable hideouts” has also been ordered.
Security has been put on high alert at the state borders and “intensive” night patrolling by the police has been ordered.
The renewed security measure comes after the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced that it will hold a ‘Khalistan’ referendum on June 6 in Himachal Pradesh. The order copy also details several recent incidents involving pro-Khalistan activities in neighbouring states.
Chief Minister Jairam Thakur had this morning ordered an investigation after flags of ‘Khalistan’ were found draped over the gates and boundary wall of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Dharamshala and pro-Khalistan graffiti was painted on its walls.
The state police had said they suspect the involvement of tourists from Punjab.
Chief Minister Thakur had said he will review the security along the borders with neighbouring states — Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Punjab. Himachal Pradesh attracts tourists from across India.
